scholarly journals Ecology and morphology of the dwarf bromeliad boa Ungaliophis panamensis (Squamata, Boidae, Ungaliophiinae) in Costa Rica and Panama

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-331
Author(s):  
Todd R. Lewis ◽  
Rowland K. Griffin ◽  
Irune Maguregui Martin ◽  
Alex Figueroa ◽  
Julie M. Ray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Major Axis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Ecological Information ◽  
Rural Buildings ◽  
Forested Areas

Ecological and morphological data on Ungaliophis panamensis is extremely limited as this species is rarely encountered. These knowledge gaps have been advanced in this study where data was analysed from a small sample of snakes collected in two tropical forested environments in Costa Rica and Panama. Standardised major axis testing and a Bayesian latent variable ordination revealed that the species is sexually dimorphic, closely associated with tree trunks in natural forested areas, and occasionally discovered in rural buildings. Although further investigation into its natural history is warranted, this study shows that even with just a few individuals it is possible to elucidate ecological information that is relevant to the conservation of snake species.

First Records of Bufo luchunnicus (Yang et Rao, 2008) and Amolops wenshanensis Yuan, Jin, Li, Stuart et Wu, 2018 (Anura: Bufonidae, Ranidae) from Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
Cuong The Pham ◽  
Minh Duc Le ◽  
Chung Van Hoang ◽  
Anh Van Pham ◽  
Thomas Ziegler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Genetic Divergence ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Type Series ◽  
Lao Cai ◽  
First Time ◽  
Nd2 Gene ◽  
Quang Ninh

We record two species of amphibians for the first time from Vietnam: Bufo luchunnicus from Lao Cai and Son La provinces and Amolops wenshanensis from Quang Ninh Province. Morphologically, the Vietnamese representatives of B. luchunnicus resemble the type series from China. The specimen of A. wenshanensis from Vietnam slightly differs from the type series from China by having a smaller size (SVL 33.2 mm vs. 35.7 – 39.9 mm in males) and the presence of distinct transverse bands on the dorsal surfaces of limbs. Genetic divergence between the sequence of the Vietnamese specimen and those of A. wenshanensis from China available from GenBank is 1.2 – 1.6% (ND2 gene). In addition, morphological data and natural history notes of aforementioned species are provided from Vietnam.

scholarly journals Use of the Lagrange Multiplier Test for Assessing Measurement Invariance Under Model Misspecification

2021 ◽  
pp. 001316442110203
Author(s):  
Lucia Guastadisegni ◽  
Silvia Cagnone ◽  
Irini Moustaki ◽  
Vassilis Vasdekis
Keyword(s):  
Lagrange Multiplier ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Model Misspecification ◽  
Cross Product ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Type I ◽  
Local Dependence ◽  
Lagrange Multiplier Test ◽  
Product Approach

This article studies the Type I error, false positive rates, and power of four versions of the Lagrange multiplier test to detect measurement noninvariance in item response theory (IRT) models for binary data under model misspecification. The tests considered are the Lagrange multiplier test computed with the Hessian and cross-product approach, the generalized Lagrange multiplier test and the generalized jackknife score test. The two model misspecifications are those of local dependence among items and nonnormal distribution of the latent variable. The power of the tests is computed in two ways, empirically through Monte Carlo simulation methods and asymptotically, using the asymptotic distribution of each test under the alternative hypothesis. The performance of these tests is evaluated by means of a simulation study. The results highlight that, under mild model misspecification, all tests have good performance while, under strong model misspecification, the tests performance deteriorates, especially for false positive rates under local dependence and power for small sample size under misspecification of the latent variable distribution. In general, the Lagrange multiplier test computed with the Hessian approach and the generalized Lagrange multiplier test have better performance in terms of false positive rates while the Lagrange multiplier test computed with the cross-product approach has the highest power for small sample sizes. The asymptotic power turns out to be a good alternative to the classic empirical power because it is less time consuming. The Lagrange tests studied here have been also applied to a real data set.

scholarly journals Activities That May Influence the Risk of Crocodile (Crocodylus Acutus: Reptilia: Crocodilidae) Attack to Humans in the Tempisque River Area, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Uniciencia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Iván Sandoval-Hernández ◽  
Alejandro Duran-Apuy ◽  
Jacqueline Quirós-Valerio
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Crocodylus Acutus ◽  
Popular Knowledge ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

One of the largest populations of crocodiles in Costa Rica is located at the Tempisque River. The species is threatened by habitat loss and poaching; but its populations have grown due to the protection given by law. The research was conducted in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We made a characterization of popular knowledge, activities and perceptions of 374 residents of the study area. It was found that 55% believe that the crocodiles are abundant, 70% believe that populations have increased. The most dangerous activities done are recreation, swimming and fishing. There are significant differences between the proportions of response (X2: 71, n = 10, p <0.0001 X2). These activities are done daily (25%), weekly (30%), monthly (18%) and annually (10%). The risk of attack and the crocodile’s density in the river are not recognized. Also, a lack of knowledge about the natural history and ecology of the species is shown. The reasons for attacks are: the aggressiveness of the animals and their density. There are differences in the responses on the reasons of the attacks (X2: 35, n 8 p <0.0001). Generally, the crocodile perception is unfavorable.

scholarly journals DEPREDACIÓN DE Saguinus leucopus (MAMMALIA: PRIMATES) SOBRE Phyllomedusa venusta (ANURA: HYLIDAE) EN EL DEPARTAMENTO DE CALDAS, COLOMBIA

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Andrés Arias Alzate ◽  
Juan D. Sanchez Londoño ◽  
Juan M. Daza ◽  
José F. González Maya
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
First Record ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Ecological Information ◽  
History Of ◽  
Dietary Component

AbstractThe Silvery-brown Tamarin, Saguinus leucopus, is a primate species from the Callitrichidae family, endemic to Colombia, and that has very little ecological information. Here we report on a new dietary component for the species from Departamento de Caldas, Colombia, been the first record of S. leucopus predating an amphibian species (Phyllomedusa venusta). Despite some records exist about tamarin predation on amphibians, this is the first for this endemic species, and it is probably related with its foraging type. This record represents a noteworthy record and contributes to the knowledge of the natural history of this species. Key words: Andes, Callitrichidae, Colombia, Diet, Primates, Predation.Palabras clave: Andes, Callitrichidae, Colombia, Depredación, Dieta, Primates

scholarly journals Geophysical characterization of the habitat of Patagioenas fasciata (Columbiformes: Columbidae) in Costa Rica

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-84
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Alberto Méndez Solano ◽  
Marlon Salazar Chacón
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Thematic Maps ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Species Management ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Management And Conservation ◽  
Geophysical Characterization

In Costa Rica, Patagioenas fasciata is distributed in forested areas of the highlands, from 900 m above sea level to the top of the ridges. We identified the main habitats of this species with thematic maps in GIS and did a geophysical analysis. The species is found in the highlands of Rincon de la Vieja, SanIgnacio de Acosta and San Vito de Coto Brus. Our information about possible migration routes, altitudes, weather elements and geomorphology of the sites where it moves and lives is relevant to the species’ management and conservation.

scholarly journals Salticidae (Arachnida, Araneae) of Thailand: new species and records of Epeus Peckham & Peckham, 1886 and Ptocasius Simon, 1885

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9352
Author(s):  
Barbara Maria Patoleta ◽  
Joanna Gardzińska ◽  
Marek Żabka
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Natural History Museum ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
History Museum ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
New Material ◽  
Hungarian Natural History Museum ◽  
Three New Species

The study is based on new material from the collections of the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Leiden (RNHM) and the Hungarian Natural History Museum (HNHM) and addresses issues in two genera: Epeus Peckham & Peckham, 1886 and Ptocasius Simon, 1885 from Thailand. Both genera are of Asian/Indomalayan origin, the latter with a diversity hotspot in the subtropical valleys of the Himalayas. Based on morphological data, we propose three new species of Epeus (Epeus daiqini sp. nov. (♂♀), Epeus pallidus sp. nov. (♀), Epeus szirakii sp. nov. (♀)) and two new species of Ptacasius (Ptocasius metzneri sp. nov. (♂♀) and Ptocasius sakaerat sp. nov. (♀)). Additionally, we redescribed E. tener (Simon, 1877) and added photographs of morphological characters. The genus Ptocasius is redefined due to the inclusion of 37 species, previously included in Yaginumaella Prószyński, 1979. Relationships and distribution of both genera are discussed in reference to molecular, morphological and distributional data, published by other authors in recent years.

Efficacy of heavy eccentric calf training for treating mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (17) ◽  
pp. 1070-1077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Calder Murphy ◽  
Mervyn J Travers ◽  
Paola Chivers ◽  
James Robert Debenham ◽  
Sean Iain Docking ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
And Function

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of heavy eccentric calf training (HECT) in comparison with natural history, traditional physiotherapy, sham interventions or other exercise interventions for improvements in pain and function in mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted as per the PRISMA guidelines.Data sourcesPUBMED, CINAHL (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCO) were searched from inception until 24 September 2018.Eligibility criteriaRandomised controlled trials comparing HECT to natural history, sham exercise, traditional physiotherapy and other exercise interventions were included. Primary outcome assessing pain and function was the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles.ResultsSeven studies met the inclusion criteria. This review suggests HECT may be superior to both natural history, mean difference (MD) (95% CI) of 20.6 (11.7 to 29.5, one study) and traditional physiotherapy, MD (95% CI) of 17.70 (3.75 to 31.66, two studies). Following removal of one study, at high risk of bias, due to pre-planned sensitivity analysis, this review suggests HECT may be inferior to other exercise interventions, MD (95% CI) of −5.65 (-10.51 to −0.79, three studies). However, this difference is unlikely to be clinically significant.ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that HECT may be superior to natural history and traditional physiotherapy while HECT may be inferior to other exercise interventions. However, due to methodological limitations, small sample size and a lack of data we are unable to be confident in the results of the estimate of the effect, as the true effect is likely to be substantially different.Systematic review registryPROSPERO registration number: CRD4201804493Protocol referenceThis protocol has been published open access: Murphy M, Travers MJ, Gibson, W. Is heavy eccentric calf training superior to natural history, sham rehabilitation, traditional physiotherapy and other exercise interventions for pain and function in mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy? Systematic Reviews 2018; 7: 58

scholarly journals Small sample corrections for Wald tests in latent variable models

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 841-861
Author(s):  
Brice Ozenne ◽  
Patrick M. Fisher ◽  
Esben Budtz‐J⊘rgensen
Keyword(s):  
Latent Variable ◽  
Latent Variable Models ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Wald Tests

Revision, phylogeny and natural history of Cotithene Voss (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 1782 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
NICO M. FRANZ
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Anterior Margin ◽  
Narrow Range ◽  
Cladistic Analysis ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Host Shifts ◽  
History Of

Cotithene Voss, a previously monotypic genus of Neotropical derelomine flower weevils (Curculionidae: Derelomini), is revised, with provision of a key to the species, cladistic analysis and notes on its natural history. The following six new species are described: C. anaphalanta (Costa Rica), C. dicranopygia (Costa Rica), C. leptorhamphis (Costa Rica, Panama), C. melanoptera (Venezuela), C. stratiotricha (Costa Rica) and C. trigaea (Costa Rica). The monophyly of Cotithene is supported by the characters of a dorsomedially expanded, carinate rostrum, ventrally angulate head, long and anteriorly directed setation on the anterior margin of the prosternum and an apicodorsally expanded aedeagus with paired sclerites in the male, and subcontiguous to separated procoxal cavities in the female. Particularly the males of several species have intriguing and allometrically scaled modifications on the head (triangular projections, long setae) and pronotum (expansion, tumescences), which possibly play a role in male-to-male conflicts. Cotithene species are specialized to visit and reproduce on a narrow range of typically closely related species of Cyclanthaceae. The adults do not function as pollinators, and the herbivorous larvae develop in the fruiting organs of their hosts, frequently triggering the abortion of infructescences. An analysis of 12 taxa (5 outgroup, 7 ingroup) and 32 morphological characters yielded a single most parsimonious cladogram (L = 38, CI = 89, RI = 93) with the topology (C. dicranopygia, (C. stratiotricha, ((C. leptorhamphis, C. trigaea), (C. globulicollis Voss, (C. anaphalanta, C. melanoptera))))). The evolution of morphological traits and host shifts is examined in light of the proposed phylogeny.

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